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60 HISTORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS.
known probity and worth, and that every one should cor-
rect his own trade ; by this means, we shall publish to the
world a reformation worthy of ourselves and of the present
exigencies."
Pittachus and Chilo extolled this speech to the skies, and
seeing the other philosophers of a contrary sentiment, protested
before God and the world that they believed it was
impossible
to find out a better means for the reformation
of mankind, yet did the rest of their companions abhor it
more than Cato's proposition, and with great indignation
told Seneca they much wondered that he, by taking more
reformers into their number, should so far dishonour
Apollo, who had thought them not only sufficient but
excellently fit for that business. It was not wisely advised
to begin the general reformation by publishing their own
weakness,
for all resolutions which detract from the credit
of the publishers want that reputation which is the very
soul of business. It was strange a man who was the very
prime sage of Latin writers should be so lavish of authority,
which should be guarded more jealously then women's
honor, since the wisest men did all agree that twenty
pound of blood taken from the life-vain was well imployed
to gain but one ounce of jurisdiction.
The whole Assembly were mightily afflicted when, by the
reputation of Seneca's opinion, they found smal hopes of
effecting the reformation, for they relyed little on Mazzoni,
who was but a novice ;
which though Mazzoni did by many
thus :
signs perceive, yet, no whit discouraged, he spoke
"
It was not for any merit of mine, most wise philosophers,
that I was admitted by Apollo into this reverend congrega-
tion, but out of his Majestie's special favour; and I very
well know that it better becomes me to use my ears than